Middlesbrough FC must not let these 2 transfer scenarios happen next month | OneFootball

Middlesbrough may well have some considerable work to do in the January transfer window.

Having made it to the Championship play-offs last season, Michael Carrick's side will be looking to match that this time around, and indeed go one better.

If they are to do that, then it is likely they are going to have to get things right in the January transfer window, when it comes to the squad they put together.

That is something that will apply to both the incoming and outgoing business they conduct while the market is open next month.

So with that in mind, we've taken a look at two scenarios that Middlesbrough will want to avoid happening in the January transfer window, right here.

Losing Hayden Hackney

Having come through the youth ranks with Middlesbrough, Hackney has now emerged into a key influence for the club at first-team level, often pulling the strings in the centre of the park.

Not only has that seen the midfielder recently capped at Under 21 level by England, it has also gained him plenty of interest from the Premier League. Recent reports from The Daily Mail have claimed that both Manchester City and Manchester United, as well as Tottenham and Liverpool, are monitoring the 21-year-old. Meanwhile, it has been suggested that another top-flight club, Nottingham Forest, could be among those who make a move for Hackney in January.

However, it is also claimed that Hackney himself would prefer to see out the season with 'Boro, before assessing his options in the summer. Given how vital he could be to their chances of sealing a top six spot and earning a shot at promotion via the play-offs, that is a stance that Middlesbrough surely must respect and take advantage of, regardless of the size of offer that might come in for the midfielder once the window opens again.

Failing to sign a new centre back

Middlesbrough were dealt a major injury blow recently, with the news that Darragh Lenihan is set to miss the rest of the season with an Achilles problem. Meanwhile, Matt Clarke is only just returning from his latest injury issue, while Paddy McNair is into the final few months of his contract with the club.

As a result, there is a risk that Middlesbrough could soon find themselves short on depth in a critical area of the pitch at centre back, something that could leave them badly exposed if it is not addressed over the course of the January transfer window, in what would no doubt be a blow to their aspirations of promotion this season.

The likes of Nottingham Forest's Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna, along with Leeds United's Charlie Cresswell, have all been linked with that potential role at The Riverside Stadium. Those potential signings could all certainly do a decent job for Carrick's side, in an area that seemingly needs reinforcing, so getting such a deal over the line could be vital, and questions will surely be asked at Middlesbrough, if they are unable to do that.